Very moving piece. Thank you John. I know something of what you share as I worked in public service. I too prefer peace and quiet. I think it takes a very long time for the shock waves to still.
I often hear the "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" aphorism and mostly hear the macho cynicism behind that. I always appreciate your "battle" stories and the fact that your "wounds" have made you a very sensitive and wise writer. Thank you for this story.
Thanks, Mike. Surviving battles, in a way, does teach us we can face challenges and carry on. But we often carry the wounds, too. And if we must carry them, why not channel them into something creative and hopefully useful, which is what I strive to do here.
What struck me most is how this story reminds us that nearly every person we meet carries wounds no eye can see. Most hurts stay tucked beneath uniforms, responsibilities, or the quiet determination to keep moving forward. We rarely glimpse them unless we’re willing to pause, to look beyond the surface, and to engage with compassion. It’s a sobering reminder that the world is full of hidden pain, and that healing begins when someone chooses to see.
Eric, my wife is a hospice nurse and previously worked in hospital. Lots of stories. People at their best, their worst, and often in-between. My admiration and thanks to all our health care professionals whose humanity and skill become apparent when our turn on the gurney comes up.
Thank You, John, as Our America, Right Now, is facing ANARCHY from Evilness & Evil People, who have come into Our Country to Use, Injure, & Destroy Our Country by murdering Our Police, Military, National Guard, Christians & Jews, who are Legal American Citizens. Sedition is even happening among those we used to trust. Hatred against Good People trying to Help Others - doesn't make any sense. GOD HELP US, John.🙏🏼✝️🇺🇸✡️❤️🤗😘🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Much wiser than my tongue & cheek “outrun your demons” comment. In the end, we must face our problems, and faith, family, and friends are invaluable. Thanks, Bill.
Hi John, I usually love your shortstories. For me right now is it crucial to learn your opinion on the situation for the unfortunate. As a police officer I guess you were involved in some sad stories caused by a society with a little lack of empathy. Is the situation any better now? Reflections as a private person, not a politician?
I’m not sure, Ola, since I’ve been retired since 2017 and work from home now as a writer. But whenever my wife and I take road trips, some cities seem to have a great deal of homeless in tents and encampments. There are many resources in this day and age and so few are starving, many have cell phones, etc. But addictions and mental health issues abound, and even in states like California where they’ve spent heavily on services, the issue remains. It’s heart breaking and I pray that society will find better solutions.
Wounds. Seen, unseen. Healed, scarred, or festering with hate that refuses to see we are much more alike than different. We all know pain. The choice is to bear it together or increase it exponentially with our hate.
Dog lover - in this situation I probably would forget the man and run for the wounded dog. How can anyone even think of hurting an innocent animals? And what gets into people that they can kill each other? Why is it that young men go to war and kill other young men who have never done anything to them? If all were like that, there would be no wars. But obviously some people are bloodthirsty, or I guess, just crazy, like your madman here.
Ingrid, I think of the soccer games between British and German troops in the No Man’s Land during the unofficial Christmas truce of 1914. A brief glimmer of our better angels.
An almost autobiographical essay ! Your sense of composure in the face of life threatening incidents during the course of work and empathy too for the perpetrators / misguided souls is admirable 🙌 . Thank you for sharing . .
Very moving piece. Thank you John. I know something of what you share as I worked in public service. I too prefer peace and quiet. I think it takes a very long time for the shock waves to still.
Thanks Jayne, for your service. And I agree, those shockwaves are slow to calm.
I often hear the "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" aphorism and mostly hear the macho cynicism behind that. I always appreciate your "battle" stories and the fact that your "wounds" have made you a very sensitive and wise writer. Thank you for this story.
Thanks, Mike. Surviving battles, in a way, does teach us we can face challenges and carry on. But we often carry the wounds, too. And if we must carry them, why not channel them into something creative and hopefully useful, which is what I strive to do here.
What struck me most is how this story reminds us that nearly every person we meet carries wounds no eye can see. Most hurts stay tucked beneath uniforms, responsibilities, or the quiet determination to keep moving forward. We rarely glimpse them unless we’re willing to pause, to look beyond the surface, and to engage with compassion. It’s a sobering reminder that the world is full of hidden pain, and that healing begins when someone chooses to see.
Well said, Ron, thank you.
As a hospital employee of 40yrs, I can certainly relate to the feelings that this story pulls on. Some things you just don't forget.
Eric, my wife is a hospice nurse and previously worked in hospital. Lots of stories. People at their best, their worst, and often in-between. My admiration and thanks to all our health care professionals whose humanity and skill become apparent when our turn on the gurney comes up.
Beautiful essay, John. Thank you for showing the light in the world that diminishes the darkness. Thank you for posting.
You’re welcome, Wendy. Thanks for reading.
Thank You, John, as Our America, Right Now, is facing ANARCHY from Evilness & Evil People, who have come into Our Country to Use, Injure, & Destroy Our Country by murdering Our Police, Military, National Guard, Christians & Jews, who are Legal American Citizens. Sedition is even happening among those we used to trust. Hatred against Good People trying to Help Others - doesn't make any sense. GOD HELP US, John.🙏🏼✝️🇺🇸✡️❤️🤗😘🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thanks for reading, Carmen. In my prayers at night, I ask that mankind take better care of each other, the animals, and the planet.
As I frequently say,… “we are all being chased by our own demons”.
So true, Bill. Hopefully we can run faster and the demons collapse.
Actually you may out- run your demons but it is exhausting.
Better you should turn and face them. This is what religion, therapy, and/or true friendships will help you do.
Much wiser than my tongue & cheek “outrun your demons” comment. In the end, we must face our problems, and faith, family, and friends are invaluable. Thanks, Bill.
Hi John, I usually love your shortstories. For me right now is it crucial to learn your opinion on the situation for the unfortunate. As a police officer I guess you were involved in some sad stories caused by a society with a little lack of empathy. Is the situation any better now? Reflections as a private person, not a politician?
I’m not sure, Ola, since I’ve been retired since 2017 and work from home now as a writer. But whenever my wife and I take road trips, some cities seem to have a great deal of homeless in tents and encampments. There are many resources in this day and age and so few are starving, many have cell phones, etc. But addictions and mental health issues abound, and even in states like California where they’ve spent heavily on services, the issue remains. It’s heart breaking and I pray that society will find better solutions.
Wounds. Seen, unseen. Healed, scarred, or festering with hate that refuses to see we are much more alike than different. We all know pain. The choice is to bear it together or increase it exponentially with our hate.
Well put, Marty. Let’s hope we bear it together.
Dog lover - in this situation I probably would forget the man and run for the wounded dog. How can anyone even think of hurting an innocent animals? And what gets into people that they can kill each other? Why is it that young men go to war and kill other young men who have never done anything to them? If all were like that, there would be no wars. But obviously some people are bloodthirsty, or I guess, just crazy, like your madman here.
Ingrid, I think of the soccer games between British and German troops in the No Man’s Land during the unofficial Christmas truce of 1914. A brief glimmer of our better angels.
wow... John....what a way to start your career ....surreal...
reading an interesting book you may or may not like......
" Echoes of the Soul " by Echo Bodine
reveals the secrets of our Souls
Thanks, Brenda. Not familiar with that book. So many books, so little time!
I know... they`re numbered ...lol
A very nice essay John, thank you.
Thanks, Terry, glad you liked it.
Amen to ‘hopefully we can run faster than the demons’ and they will collapse…
Good share sir, good share 🙏🏻
There is something about a story with a dog…another great flashback.
An almost autobiographical essay ! Your sense of composure in the face of life threatening incidents during the course of work and empathy too for the perpetrators / misguided souls is admirable 🙌 . Thank you for sharing . .
Everyone has something they're carrying. I'm glad the police dog survived - and that rookie too.